Circuit breaker



Dec. 1, 1931. s. T. FORD ET AL C IRCUIT BREAKER Filed April 27, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet Dec. 1, 1931. s T QRD ET L 1,834,833

CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed April 27, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 i lnvenfor JZQWZ 3 K #:270761 .5. an/11a Patented Dec. 1931 V UNI-TED STATES PATENT OFFICE cmcnrr BREAKER Application filed April 27,

This invention appertains to new and useful improvements in circuit breakers, and more particularly to a novel circuit breaker for use on automobiles, adapted to automati- 5 cally break the connection between the usual battery and the circuits of the electrical system so as to prevent damage caused by the exhaust igniting spilled gasoline when the automobile turns over, and also to prevent exp1o-' sion due to ignition of the gasoline by shortcircuited ignition wires.

' An important object of the invention is to provide a circuit breaker which will operate automatically when tilted sufficiently or inverted, to break an electrical circuit. Another important object of the invention is to provide a circuit breaker which can be easily installed on an automobile.

During the course of the following speciand advantages will become apparent to the reader. i

In the drawings Figure 1 represents a vertical sectional View through the device, before the liquid current conductive material is trapped.

Fig. 2 represents a top plan view of the device with the upper shell section removed and with the liquid conductive material re moved. p

Fig. 3 represents avertical sectional view through the device with the stopper removed to free the liquid.

Fig. 4 represents a vertical sectional view through the device showinglthe same in operated position. Fig. 5 represents a vertical sectional view through-the device showing the same in completely inverted position.

- Fig. 6 represents a vertical sectional view through the device with the liquid entirely displaced from the pocket, although the device is in upright position.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen that the novel circuit breaker including a spherical shell including the upper shell 6,

each of hemi-spherical shape, and flanged at 1ts edge portions, asat 7. These flanges 7 are secured together by screws 8 and as shown fication and claims other important objects 1931. Serial No. 533,338.

in Fig. 1, the shell 6 at its center is provided with an outwardly disposed boss 9 through which the contact parts 10'11 extend. Projecting inwardly from the central portion of the shell section 6 is the inverted frustoconical wall 12 adapted to provide the pocket 13 into which the inner ends of the pins 1011 protrude. To the outer end of the prongs 10 connects the ammeter of the usual automobile ignition system, while the usual battery (not shown) is connected to the prong 10 at its outer end. Various hookups can be made to different types of cars.

A follower plug or stopper 14, having each side'of convex shape, is provided with the protuberance 15to which the inner end of the screw 16 is secured. This screw 1'6 is threaded through the central portion of the shell section 5 and has a finger grip 17 on the outer end thereof. Numeral 18 represents a deposit 19 of mercury or some other similar current conductive liquid.

When these devices are placed on sale, the liquid 18 is in the pocket 13 and the stopper 18 is urged snugly against the inner end of the wall 12 so that pocket 13 is entirely enclosed to prevent escape of the liquid into the space of the shell outside of the pocket 13.

After the device is installed on an automobile, the screw 16 is fed outwardly so that when the stopper 14 is removed the liquid 18 is free to run out of the pocket 13, in the event the device is tilted to the positions shown in Figs. 4 and5, as when an automobile turns over on its side or top.

Obviously, when this occurs, the liquid runs out of the pocket 13 and into the space between the shell and the wall 12, and even" though the automobile again rights itself,

the liquid 18 will not return to the pocket 9 13, .but will settle into the space between the section 6 and the wall 12. In order to re-set the device, it is necessary to remove the section 5 from the section 6, empty the liquid into the section 5 and then pour the liquid from the section 5 into the pocket 13.

It is clear that the device is practically fool-proof and its installation on an automobile can be accomplished with ease and convenience.

While the foregoing specification sets forth the invention in specific terms, it is to be understood that numerous changes in the shape, size and materials may be resorted 5 to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new is m 1. A circuit breaker of the character described comprising a shell divided into a pair of sections, detachable means for connecting the sections together, a cup-shaped structure in one of the sections, a pair of contact pins projecting into the said cup structure, a closure for the cup structure, and a liquid conductor deposit for the said cup structure.

2. A circuit breaker oi the character described comprising a shell divided into a pair of sections, detachable means for connecting the sections together, a cup-shaped structure in one of-the sections, a pair of contact pins projecting into the said cup structure, a closure for the cup structure, a liquid conductor deposit for the said cup structure, and means for removing the said closure.

3. A circuit breaker of the character de 00 scribed comprising a shell divided into a pair of sections, detachable means forconnecting the sections together, a cup-shaped structure in one of the sections, a pair of contact pins projecting into the said cup structure, a closure for the cup structure, a liquid conductor deposit for the said cup structure, and means for removing the said closure, said closure comprising a body adapted to close the cup structure, and a threaded element for feeding the body against or away from the cup structure.

4. A circuit breaker of the character described comprising a shell divided into a pair of sections, detachable means for connecting the sections together, a cup-shaped structure in one of the sections, a pair of contactpinsprojectingintothe said cup structure, a closure for the cup structure, a liquid conductor deposit for the said cup structure,

00 the'side wall of the said cup structure being in spaced relation to the section into which it is attached so as to provide a space for the reception of the li uid conductor when the latter is displaced rom the cup-shaped structure.

In testimony whereof we aifix our signatures.

STANLEY T. FORD.

CO HAROLD L. DOUDNA. 

